Spider-Man (played by Andrew Garfield) scales a wall in a scene from The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Andrew Garfield reprises his role as Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (Rated PG-13), which hits theaters on May 2. What should viewers expect when the British actor slips into the iconic blue-and-red suit this time? In addition to a new costume, Garfield says there are fun action-packed scenes, a sweet love story, and interesting themes about bullying and being a hero. "Spider-Man is really coming into his own as a hero and as a person,” Garfield told TFK. “He is really allowing himself to grow into the symbol and fill the duties of what it takes to be a hero."

This time, Spidey will use his wits and his “spider-sense” to fight ominous and powerful villains such as Rhino (played by Paul Giamatti) and Electro (played by Jamie Foxx). Garfield gave TFK Kid Reporter Grace Clark more scoop on the film during a phone interview recently.

GARETH CATTERMOLE—GETTY IMAGES FOR SONY

Andrew Garfield kneels on the red carpet to pose for a picture with a young Spider-Man fan at the London premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

TFK:

Were you a Spider-Man fan as a kid?

GARFIELD:

It was my first Halloween costume when I was 3 years old, in England! He was so important to me because he always stood up to the bullies. A bully was very mean to me in school, and I turned to Spider-Man in my imagination. He’s always been my hero, so obviously being able to play him is a huge honor for me. I revere him as much as anyone.

TFK:

If not Spider-Man, what other superhero would you like to play?

GARFIELD:

I love to fly, so maybe Superman. I would like to play a super villain. I’ve never done that before, so that could be fun, [playing someone like] the Joker.

TFK:

How did you prepare for this role?

GARFIELD:

I had to really work hard and make sure my body was in good shape, because Spider-Man has to be really strong and lean and flexible, like a gymnast. And then preparing for [his alter-ego] Peter Parker, I had to do a lot of emotional training because Peter really goes on a journey of self-discovery. He’s a young man trying to navigate all these different aspects of life, so that was a lot of emotional preparation. Both of those things were really enjoyable.

TFK:

How do the villains in the new movie challenge Spider-Man?

GARFIELD:

He has to figure out a way to outwit Rhino, who is strong and full of brute force. Then he goes up against Electro, who has the power to fry his web-shooters. Peter has to use his intelligence to get around these really tough villains.

TFK:

Spider-Man has both brains and brawn. Which do you feel is more important?

That’s a really good question. I’d like to think that having brains is more useful. I’m not a very good fighter, but I’m smart enough to get out of fights.

TFK:

One of Spider-Man’s famous quotes is, “With great power comes great responsibility.” What special power would you like to possess, and how would you use the power to better our society?

GARFIELD:

Wow, what a great question. Well, I think Spider-Man is such a good example of how to use your power for good. He’s a protector, and I think people in our world need protection from evil forces and bad guys. He’s also smart enough to try to cut off things at the source. So if he can feel a regular person becoming a villain, he’s going to try to stop them by giving them love and compassion and understanding and encouraging them to make a different choice. That just comes from his humanity.

TFK:

How much stunt work do you do?

GARFIELD:

I like doing most of the stunts myself. I used to be a gymnast as a young boy. I loved doing backflips and tumbles.

TFK:

What superhero should Spider-Man team up with to fight crime?

GARFIELD:

I would love help as Spider-Man. It would be especially cool to have the Hulk, because if I’ve got the brains, then he’s got the brawn.

TFK:

Is there an Amazing Spider-Man 3 in the works?

GARFIELD:

Yes! I’m excited to see where it goes.

TFK:

Thank you so much for your time!

GARFIELD:

It was really fun talking to you. Good luck with school and with journalism!